1 John Lewis - £56 for the set
This jolly Casa teaset is bright without being garish. Being earthenware, it is more likely to withstand the thrills and spills of family life than its daintier porcelain counterparts.
www.johnlewis.com;
08456 049 049
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2. Ikea - £15.47 for the set
Not strictly a set, but those on a budget can mix and match freely from Ikea’s cheerful range. We recommend the Inbjudan teapot with cup, saucer, sugar bowl and creamer.
www.ikea.com
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3. Armani Casa - £1,286 for the set
Armani’s homewares range is so pared-down, you wonder what you’re getting for your money. But this Art Deco ensemble looks like something you might find in Poirot’s study.
www.armanicasa.com;
020-7079 1930
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4. Marks & Spencer - £42.50 for the set
M&Sis a reliable source of affordable kitchen kit. This rose and stripe set is neither edgy nor trendy, but it’s easy on the wallet and easy on the eye.
www.marksandspencer.com;
0845 609 0200
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5. Bodie and Fou - £110 for pot and mug only
Less a tea set than a pair of aliens suddenly teleported into your kitchen. Give your granny a shock with a cuppa poured out of this bizarre, yet fabulous, creation.
www.notonthehighstreet.com;
0845 259 1359
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6. Oliver Bonas - £55 for the set
If hearts aren’t your thing, but you still like patterned tableware, this blue rose design from Bonas, the high street king of reasonably priced things that look expensive, is for you.
www.oliverbonas.com;
020-8974 0110
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7. Gray’s Antiques - £250 for the set
It looks like the love child of a zebra crossing and a circus tent, but this set will liven up the most humble tea. And you won’t be sipping out of the same cup at your neighbour’s.
www.graysantiques.com;
020-7629 7034
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8. Emma Bridgewater - £59 for pot and cup only
Bridgewater’s fun collections have become so popular that they’re now a touch over exposed; so get this bird printed set ahead of the stampede.
www.emmabridgewater.co.uk;
020-7371 5489
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9. Wedgwood - £235 for the set
Vera Wang, designer of wedding dresses to the stars, has turned her hand temporarily to porcelain, with this modern yet dainty tea set from her Lace Platinum range.
www.wedgwood.com;
08000 280026
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10. Alessi - £331 for three pieces
Alessi might be best known for its collaborations but this set, called Bombé, was created by Carlo Alessi himself in 1945 and it is still the company’s best-selling tea set.
www.panik-design.com;
01908 307 020
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17 March 2008, Chosen by Esther Walker
